Life Stories

Ten reasons why you should consider recording your life story:

1. No one can tell your story but you. No one else has experienced life exactly the way you have.
2. When you have finished telling your story, you will have a clear picture of your life, your unique place in your family and in the world.
3. Reminiscing helps you resolve unfinished business and make peace with the past.
4. Storytelling is a tradition as old as time—a way to link the past to the present. You are an important link in your family’s chain.
5. Passing along the stories you heard as a child from older relatives honors the people you loved and enables future generations to know them.
6. The world you knew when you were young is nothing like the one today’s children know. Think of all the changes you have seen in your lifetime. You are a living piece of history. Writing your story provides a first-hand account for generations yet to come.
7. Reviewing your life is a way to draw meaning from the past.Telling your story helps you rediscover memories and make sense of the lessons you’ve learned in your life.
8. Your story is more than a collection of facts. It’s a way of passing on your values and wisdom.
9. Your story, artfully preserved, is truly the gift that no one else can give.
10. Preserving your story ensures that others remember you.

Can’t I just write or record it myself?

Of course you can—and I can help you learn how—but many people with good intentions never get around to it. If you have been meaning to start, you may find it helpful to work with a professional that can help you shape and edit your story.

How does the process work?

It begins with a complimentary consultation to discuss the scope of your project, establish a budget and determine a schedule for completion. When we have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, we will digitally record your story in a series of relaxed interviews lasting about two hours each. I will ask questions designed to jog memories of important events in your past. Generally, we can complete this enjoyable process in three to six sessions. When you’ve finished telling your story, it can be preserved in oral or written form—or both.

What are the options for preserving my story?

Oral History

An audio CD of your interviews are presented in an attractive gift box. Your loved ones will treasure these because they can hear your story in your own voice.

Personal Autobiography

Your transcribed interviews are organized into a book about your life.The manuscript is carefully edited but it will remain in your “voice” and style. We can include photos, newspaper clippings, documents, illustrations, recipes— anything you wish—to enhance your story. Of course, you will have the opportunity to review the manuscript each step of the way and make corrections or additions.The final step is to have it printed and bound to your specifications,whether you want one copy or one-hundred.

How much will it cost?

Each project is unique and custom designed so costs vary. The price will depend on time and materials involved and the complexity of the finished product. Call for a complementary consultation about your project.

What other services do you offer?

Editing

You may have been keeping a journal for years or maybe you’ve already got your story written and you just want another set of eyes to read it. I’ll be happy to help you polish your manuscript.

Ethical Will

A will is a dry, legal document that bequeaths your possessions.  An ethical will is a document that bequeaths instructions, explanations, last wishes, hopes, forgiveness and love. It is uncertain when the practice of creating ethical wills began but there are indications it goes back centuries.  Here are some examples of things that might be included in an ethical will:

• Instructions for funeral or memorial service planning
• Your obituary
• Forgiveness or a request for forgiveness
• An explanation of why you divided your possessions the way you did
• Hopes and dreams for loved ones
• Wisdom and spiritual values for future generations
• A record of your thoughts

An ethical will is your spiritual legacy and contains your last words. I can help you choose them carefully.

Classes and Workshops

Workshops are designed to teach you what you need to know to get started writing your stories—and they are fun! If you are looking for something new and different for your organization’s next event, check the presentations page or e-mail me with your needs and I’ll tailor one for your group.

Coaching and Consulting

As a professional writer, I know how time consuming and frustrating it can be to stare at a blank page or computer screen. If you want to write your life story on your own, I can help you get started, stay on course and offer editorial suggestions.

Specialty Projects

Memorials, tributes, travelogues, family cookbooks, heirloom histories, remembrances of special occassions, recorded stories for grandchildren and more. This category is limited only by your imagination.